Cooper Power Tools introduces APEX u-Guard Line that
prevents costly assembly line damage to products
LEXINGTON, S.C., July 18, 2006 – Cooper Power Tools today introduced a breakthrough line of power tool sockets, extensions and bit holders encased in a protective skin that prevents costly product damage on assembly lines during the fastening process.
The new Apex® u-Guard™ line gives manufacturers a new weapon against In-System Damage (ISD) – chips, scratches, dents and dings that occur during product assembly. ISD can cost a single assembly plant millions of dollars each year in time, labor and product rework.
“The Apex u-Guard line’s ability to directly reduce ISD costs makes it the most significant breakthrough in industrial bits and sockets in more than 20 years,” said Mike Stegmann, product manager, Cooper Power Tools. “This is especially true for industries that have large, costly and complex final products, such as automobile and aircraft assembly.”
The Apex u-Guard line’s protective skin is made of an elastomer blend that is soft enough to protect assembled products from damage caused by incidental contact with swinging tools, yet tough enough to resist punctures and endure shift after shift of operation with minimal wear. The elastomer skin also exceeds the limitations of nylon-based cover material, making it suitable for use in bodywork (pre-paint) applications.
The Apex u-Guard line of tools offers the tightest tolerances in the industry and delivers a sure, exact fit with the fastener. Each tool features a unique “free-spinning” design that allows the molded skin to rotate independently of the socket, bit or extension spinning inside, so workers can grip the skin and avoid potentially harmful contact with the contained tool. This enhances productivity, reduces worker fatigue, and protects against potential safety hazards that result from rotational friction.
Stegmann said there are limited protective alternatives on the market, typically made by small shops that do not manufacture the core power tools. Their protective solutions either wear out quickly or offer no worker safety or productivity-enhancing features.
The Apex u-Guard line of products is now available in 165 initial part types, each listed in a published price list. For additional information or a copy of a new brochure, contact your local Apex representative or visit www.CooperPowerTools.com.
About Cooper Power Tools
Cooper Power Tools manufactures a wide variety of DC electric and pneumatic tools, assembly equipment and related software, specialized drills and cutters, servos, torque measurement and controls, screwdriver bits and sockets, hoist and universal joints. For more information, visit. For more information, visit www.cooperpowertools.com.
About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries, Ltd. is a global manufacturer with 2006 revenues of $5.2 billion, approximately 85 percent of which are from electrical products. Incorporated in Bermuda with administrative headquarters in Houston, Cooper employs approximately 31,000 people and operates eight divisions: Cooper B-Line, Cooper Bussmann, Cooper Crouse-Hinds, Cooper Lighting, Cooper Menvier, Cooper Power Systems, Cooper Wiring Devices and Cooper Tools group. Cooper Connection provides a common marketing and selling platform for Cooper’s sales to electrical distributors. For more information, visit www.cooperindustries.com.
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